Past President Richard Kerber Passed Away

kerber-2ASE is saddened by the passing of Past President (1997-1999) and longtime member Richard Kerber, MD, FASE. Dr. Kerber was a kind and intelligent person who made a real impact on the field and the cardiovascular community in his lifetime. He served on many ASE committees and on the faculty for numerous Scientific Sessions. Dr. Kerber delivered the Edler Lecture in 1999 on “Deconstructing the Body: Medical Imaging, Medical Art and the Art of Medicine.” He was Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine. Dr. Kerber received his undergraduate degree in Anthropology from Columbia University and his medical degree from New York University in 1964. After an internship and completing part of his residency at Bellevue Hospital in New York City, Dr. Kerber joined the US Army Medical Corps and served two years as a Captain in a MASH unit in Vietnam, earning the Bronze Star in 1968. Upon his return, he completed his residency and a Cardiology Fellowship at Stanford University Hospital by 1971. It was this same year that he joined the University of Iowa and rose through the ranks, becoming a Professor by 1978 and then Director of Echocardiography. He authored more than 250 articles, two books, more than 330 abstracts, and dozens of chapters of books. His influence on cardiovascular research and clinical innovation will be felt for years to come. Dr. Kerber was dedicated to education and mentoring those around him, serving as Director of the Cardiology Fellowship Program for 17 years.  His impact was deeply felt by members of our community. Past Presidents and current leadership shared their sentiments about his legacy:

A wonderful colleague, physician, historian and musician. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. – Dr. Bill Zoghbi

“I can’t possibly say enough good things about Dick. He had a very successful medical career. He also had a wonderful career as an exceptional human being.” – Dr. Harvey Feigenbaum

“His friends and colleges know that Dick was completely committed to echocardiography at a time when many people were trying to determine its usefulness.” – Dr. Walter Henry

“In addition to being a colleague and mentor to us all, Dick is the epitome of a “mentsch”-with a refined moral compass and a wonderful perspective on how medicine fits into the broader world.” – Dr. Julius Gardin 

“He was a brilliant researcher but more importantly a man of integrity and kindness.” – Dr. Jonathan Lindner

“Very sad news but a life well lived. Dick leaves an enormous legacy behind him. He will be very, very missed.” – Dr. Tony DeMaria

“Dick was at Stanford so we have been colleagues forever. He has always been an example of good nature, wise judgment and devotion to his family. Truly a fine man.” – Dr. Richard Popp

Dick Kerber was my mentor when I was a junior attending at the University of Iowa. It is from him I learnt experimental echocardiography. He was always available guiding me through a variety of scientific studies. A kind and intelligent man, he had trained a number of young clinician-scientists and it was my privilege to have spent a part of my life with him. We continued our friendship over the years and I will cherish the memories forever.Dr. Natesa G. Pandian

Although I never worked directly with Dick in the clinical arena, he recommended me for my first ASE committee many years ago. I am in gratitude to him for that gesture since it started my involvement with ASE. – Dr. Vera Rigolin

Feel free to share your memories on Connect@ASE.

ASE will be establishing an honor, in Dr. Kerber’s name, and the board will vote on this at their meeting later this month. The Funeral services are this Sunday at 2:00 pm at Agudas Achim Synagogue in Iowa City (401 E Oakdale Blvd, Coralville, IA 52241). Burial will be in New York.

WASE Study Launches at Scientific Sessions

Learn more here.

Give Where Your Heart Is

On May 4, join the ASE Foundation in its first-ever Spring Giving Day. Support the ASE Foundation and help us raise $7,500 in 24 hours. As we aim for our goal, every gift – $25, $50, or any amount that’s right for you – brings that target closer.

The funds you provide help train the future of echocardiography by supporting scholarships and travel grants to young professionals in the field. Each and every gift you give makes a difference in the projects you support and the people you help. Learn more here.

ASE Foundation Call for Volunteers

Volunteer applications are now being accepted for four upcoming ASE Foundation global health initiatives and humanitarian events in the Philippines, Kenya, China, and Cuba. Both physicians and sonographers are needed. Visit ASEFoundation.org/volunteer to learn more about each event and its specific focus. If you can fulfill the requirements listed and are interested in applying to volunteer, please complete that event’s volunteer application form.

Due to the popularity and enthusiasm for this type of volunteer experience, there will likely be more volunteer applicants than needed and unfortunately not all applicants will be selected. ASEF will ensure that every application received will be given appropriate consideration for participation.

The ASE Foundation’s global health initiatives and humanitarian events are supported by donor contributions to the Annual Appeal and a grant from the Edwards Lifesciences Every Heartbeat Matters program.

ASE Foundation volunteers truly make a world of difference! Visit ASEFoundation.org/volunteer to learn more.

Cardiovascular Sub-Specialty Organizations Unite

ASE, ASNC, HFS, HRS, SCCT, and SCMR have partnered to launch a news source to cross-promote information and news pertinent to the multi-modality imaging and cardiac community. The inaugural issue will be released this week. Check your email for this new valuable member benefit. Future issues will include free offerings such as webinars, CME activities, and the like.

Freeman to match #GivingTuesday donations

Thank you to our Corporate Sponsor, Freeman. The first $1,000 raised on Giving Tuesday will be matched by Freeman. Learn more about Giving Tuesday here!FREEMAN

ASEF Saves Lives in Argentina

Read release here.

ASEF & Mindray partner in Vietnam

Read release here.

ASEF in Vietnam Team Blog

ASEF’s Team Ha Noi partners with Mindray to train over 150 healthcare workers and provide care to 279 patients in Northern Vietnam

ASE Foundation volunteers are returning home after spending 4 days working with physicians at the Vietnam National Heart Institute/Bach Mai Hospital in Ha Noi, Vietnam. Visit www.asefoundation.org/vietnam to see pictures and learn more about the week’s efforts.

ASEF in Argentina Team Blog

Follow ASEF volunteers as they participate in a humanitarian and training event in Northwest Argentina, August 2015. Read the blog here.